The purpose of the Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association is to develop, promote, govern, and perpetuate the game of soccer for the youth of Lawrence Township, NJ. It is our goal to provide a soccer environment that stresses a relaxed, fun-oriented approach

Due to the new age group changes this year with US Soccer, and having realized it’s original intent, the Lawrence Player Development Program (LPDP) will be on hiatus beginning Fall of 2016.

We would like to thank the coaches, parents, and most importantly, the players who made this program a resounding success.The continued commitment and effort put forth by the players as students, mentors and trainers has left an indelible mark on the club and the larger community.It is remarkable to see so many players progress through the program and achieve success both on and off the field.

While the program will not be active for the 2016-17 season, we would encourage any players looking for this sort of player development option to explore the many offerings on the competitive and recreation sides of the club.

You can always reach out directly for assistance as well, or to just say hello.

Thanks again for all of your hard work, and we look forward to seeing you on the fields in the near future.

Chris Thomas

What is the Lawrence Player Development Program?

"LPDP" is a development program designed to provide players with more detailed and individual instruction on technique. Competition venues consist of small-sided games (5v5, 7v7, 8v8) where players gain valuable time and exposure to the game to improvise and improve decision-making skills.

While the curriculum may be altered as needed, the program primarily consists of three elements to progressively enhance player development:

1) Weekly indoor technical sessions beginning mid-to-late November through mid-March. These sessions consist of small group work with an emphasis on the development of technical skills and understanding how they apply in the game. These sessions are the foundation of the development program and are complemented by games where the players are able to creatively apply their skill development on the field.

2) Both boys and girls teams will compete in an indoor travel league through the winter (most likely at Robbinsville Fieldhouse). The winter indoor league will run one day a week from early January through mid- March. There will also be scrimmages outside of league games on occasion.

3) Teams may participate in a tournament once the season is underway and the players have been playing together. We view this as an important piece of the program and are optimistic that we’ll be able to offer players the opportunity to compete against other teams from the state in a tournament environment. However, the decision to do so will ultimately be based on tournament and player availability, as well as the overall progress of the players.

Who qualifies for the program?

Candidates are primarily evaluated and identified by LHSA coaches as players who have potential to grow in the sport and would benefit from an environment that focuses on technical skill development and its application in the game under pressure. Players in the program range in age from 9-14 years old.

The Lawrence Player Development Program (LPDP) is an intensive technical-based program aimed to enhance a player’s ability and serve as a bridge towards competitive soccer.

The ideal candidate for the program is one who possesses a strong work ethic, maturity and desire to improve.

What is the commitment required?

Since it is by nature a development program, players are expected to be present for all activities so they are able to develop and keep pace with the group as it moves from one topic to the next. We understand that some absences are necessary, however, significant absences will lead to the recommendation that the player participate in another, less demanding LHSA program. This space would then be made available to other identified players.

Where do the players train?

Last year all training was held at PTS (about 10 minutes from Lawrenceville). Although the location could change for 2014/15, PTS is our current training location and an excellent facility.

How long does the program last?

The development program generally covers the same time frame as the travel season (fall / winter / spring).
In the fall, players in the development program are encouraged to participate in fall recreation soccer. Players who are admitted into the program before the fall recreation season begins will meet weekly as a group during the fall recreation season for training. This is a supplement to their weekend recreation games. Once the
recreation season concludes, it is highly likely that several players will be added, and the player pool will
immediately begin training together.

How much does the program cost, and what does it cover?

The fee per player for the program is approximately $350 for the winter/spring registration. This includes a 10- week game schedule, indoor training, and a team jersey.

Who will run the program?

Chris Thomas is the primary contact at christopher_thomas1@hotmail.com and coach for the player development program. Several LHSA coaches and players combine over the course of the year to contribute to the training manpower.